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2017 Dakar Rally traverses some of South America’s most treacherous terrain

Professionals and amateurs on four and two wheels are about a quarter of the way through the 2017 running of the Dakar Rally, a grueling — and, over the course of its 39-year history, sometimes deadly — off-road endurance race. Originally run from France to Senegal, the race, inspired by a rider in a traditional rally who got lost in the desert, was moved to South America eight years ago due to security concerns. This year’s rally started Monday in Asuncion, Paraguay, and is scheduled to finish Jan. 14 in Buenos Aires.

Spain’s Gerard Farres Guell powers his Yamaha during Stage 1 of the Dakar 2017 between Asuncion and Resistencia, Argentina, on January 2, 2017. (FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)

Milan Engel of the Czech Republic and KTM rides a 450 Rally Replica KTM bike in the Classe 2.1 : Super Production during stage three of the 2017 Dakar Rally on January 4, 2017 at an unspecified location in Argentina. (Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

The meanders of the Bermejo river form the border between the Argentine provinces of Formosa and Chaco, near the town of General Lucio V. Mansilla in Formosa, where the 2017 Dakar Rally passed during Stage 1 between Asuncion and Resistencia, in Argentina, on January 2, 2017. (FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)

Erik Van Loon of the Netherlands and Toyota Overdrive / Van Loon Racing drives with co-driver Wouter Rosegaar of the Netherlands in the Hilux Overdrive Toyota car in the Classe : T1.1 : 4×4 Tout-Terrain Modifies Essence during stage two of the 2017 Dakar Rally between Resistencia and San Miguel de Tucuman on January 3, 2017 at an unspecified location in Argentina. (Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Stephane Peterhansel of France and Peugeot Total drives with co-driver Jean Paul Cottret of France in the 3008 DKR Peugeot car in the Classe : T1.4 2 Roues Motrices, Diesel during stage two of the 2017 Dakar Rally between Resistencia and San Miguel de Tucuman on January 3, 2017 at an unspecified location in Argentina. (Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

Chilean biker Pablo Quintanilla powers his Husqvarna during Stage 2 of the 2017 Dakar Rally between Resistencia and San Miguel de Tucuman, in Argentina, on January 3, 2017. (FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)

Toyota’s pilot Nasser Al-Attiyah of Qatar cools himself down after the Stage 2 of the 2017 Dakar Rally between Resistencia and San Miguel de Tucuman, in Tucuman, Argentina, on January 3, 2017. (FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)

Fans watch as a competitor approaches during stage two of the 2017 Dakar Rally. (Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

A chicken crosses the track during stage two of the 2017 Dakar Rally between Resistencia and San Miguel de Tucuman on January 3, 2017 at an unspecified location in Argentina. (Dan Istitene/Getty Images)

A biker competes during the 2017 Dakar Rally Stage 1 between Asuncion and Resistencia, in Argentina, on January 2, 2017. (FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images)

Suzuki car driver Tim Coronel of the Netherlands is covered in dirt after completing the second stage of the Dakar Rally on Jan. 3, 2017. The race started in Paraguay and will pass through Bolivia as well. (Martin Mejia/AP)

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Bob Rhodes: Very interesting read....I have read previously about terrap…